City of Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee issued the following statement today on the emergency events unfolding in Fort McMurray, Alberta:

"On behalf of City Council and the citizens of Charlottetown, I want to share our deep concern with the residents of Fort McMurray who are dealing with a mass evacuation and unimaginable loss due to wildfires in the area.

It is our sincerest hope that the wildfires are soon contained and that everyone remains safe.

There are so many Islanders and others from the East Coast who live and work in the Fort McMurray area. Our communities share a unique relationship because of that. It is times like this we all find ourselves thinking of the challenges that our colleagues in Alberta are currently facing in getting everyone to safety and the challenges that they will face in the days to come.

We would like the City of Fort McMurray to know that they are in our thoughts. If there is anything we can do, we encourage Fort McMurray officials to reach out and let us know.

I am confident that help and assistance will be offered from all cities and towns across the country. As the Mayor of Charlottetown, I encourage all of our citizens to assist in whatever way they can – whether that be through donations to the Canadian Red Cross or other humanitarian aid, through prayers or through positive messages to loved ones in the area."